Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Happy Wednesday

Ally is doing fairly well, although she does appear to be suffering from some side effects. Today she had some pretty severe leg and hip pain. This is a side effect of the Vincristin chemotherapy. I think because she didn't get any chemo for a while, it seems to be hitting her a little more right now. She is also definitely eating more which is a result of the Megace appetite stimulant. However we had another episode today where she threw up immediately following dinner. She had macaroni after school at her friends house...and from the looks of things I think she might have eaten too much! That combined with her dinner and Jerad and I are just thinking that maybe she is eating too much at one time right now. Her body just isn't used to it. And sorry if that is too much information.

Secondly, we did go over the $20,000 mark today on our fundraising. I spoke to my contact at the Leukemia Society this morning and I think she was truly shocked when I told her about the $6000 from the Poker Tournament. I have been meaning to mention on here too...but that Tastefully Simple party that we had in our neighborhood a few weeks back ended up raising $640 also. That was just way more than I ever thought it would be. Thank you to Judy and Denton Brower.

They told me that the largest team to ever walk in Dayton was 100 people. Right now we are looking at an unprecedented 350 people for Ally's Army....and with a hefty amount of dollars to back us. I am so proud of everything we have come together to do...and all of this while Ally is still going through intense treatment. It does take a lot of my time, but it is so worth it. It just shows that everybody can (and HAS) made a difference and turned something that can be so bad into something good. One more housekeeping note.....since we have raised $20k, everyone on the team will be carrying a balloon...no need to worry about that whole $25 fundraised to get one. We do have a ton of people that have raised over $100 and will also be receiving t-shirts and other incentives. She is also going to have a 10x10 tent set up just for Ally's Army. We will get a sign out there and it can be a meeting point for all of us. Some of you that have volunteered to help (thank you) can maybe help run our tent, pass the things out, etc. Don't forget there is free food, things for the kids to do, etc. Now we just have to get some good weather.

Finally, Jerad wanted me to post a little teaser about the outfit he will be wearing to the 80's dance in Junction City Saturday night to raise even more money for Leukemia. The pants are a little tight, so I am hoping he doesn't bust out any of his Billie Jean Michael Jackson moves. But you have to agree....these parachute pants are SWEEEEEEEEEET. Hope you can make it out to see them in person.

12 comments:

  1. Niiiice pants Jerad! We will need to see more pics of the 80's fundraiser. I can't believe how much has been raised and how many walkers there are. But what I also can't believe is how we are the biggest team with the biggest donation ever when everyone going through this should have such great support as this! It goes to show how much everyone loves Ally!

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  2. OMG!!! I'm so glad I checked the blog tonight! Those pants are swweeettt!!!! LOL I got my 80's outfit today too! I am going to be decked out in hot pink from the Madonna style bow in my hair to my slouched legwarmers! It is going to be such a fun evening! I can't wait to have fun and raise money for such a good cause. Can't wait to walk with the Army next week either! What a great team. I feel so privileged to be a part of this. Thank you so much for the opportunity to help!

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  3. so glad Ally is feeling ok, minus the occasional throwing up.
    L-O-V-E the parachute pants! :-) Can't wait to see the top half, not sure if it can beat the bottom half :-)

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  4. Sweet pants, little concerned about the zipper though! congratulations on the fundraising, that's awesome, or should I say rad!

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  5. Thanks for making me laugh out loud this morning! Those pants will definitely help your moonwalk! We'll tell Travis to tee up the Michael Jackson!
    I am with Jenny - thanks for letting us be a part of your journey - while it is not one that you want to be on - it is amazing how people come together and I too feel priviledged to be a part of something so powerful and life-changing.
    I hope Ally has a great weekend and that her bellly starts to adust and that her leg/hip pain subsides. Take Care Barnett Family! Sheri Cobler

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  6. Just laughing because as funny as those pants are...I know Jerad is going to bring his humor along with them. It sounds like a great time and hoping you raise a lot more money!

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  7. I am sure Jerad will be the hit of the ball in those pants. Looking forward to the walk as my niece Jane and her husband Gene will be coming from W. Va. It will be a wonderful event.

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  8. the parachute pants ROCK.
    Just a little thought, which you probably have already done as far as Ally and her calories. I don't know if you have tried pediasure or Boost for added calories. My oldest is drinking 2 boost a day due to not getting enough calories. He seems to like the Vanilla and Chocolate. You can get it at Target, Walmart, etc. You could make it into a shake with ice cream. Just a thought for some added calories that might be tasty to your girl.

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  9. so glad Ally is feeling okay. those pants rock! i would love to see them paired with a technicolor t-shirt (remember the ones that turned different shades of pink and green when you were hot or cold?). have a great time at the walk this weekend. I wish that I could be there. It means a lot to me.

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  10. about the pants...I guess it is true...at times laughter really is the best medicine. jenny r.

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  11. ALL of you are always in my prayers and thoughts. Both boys are in school now which leaves me free time. Pleasssse let me know if you ever need anything, Starbucks, DLM, anything!!!!

    Just a side note, I've witnessed first hand Jerad "dancing" and I think the pants are a perfect fit! ;)

    Mandy G.

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